Johnny Cash – Cocaine Blues

About the song

Cocaine Blues is a song written and first recorded by American country music singer-songwriter Johnny Cash. It was released on his 1968 album Johnny Cash at San Quentin. The song is a first-person narrative about a man who is addicted to cocaine and the negative consequences that the addiction has had on his life.

The song begins with the narrator describing how he first started using cocaine and how it quickly became an addiction. He sings about how the drug made him feel “high” and “free” and how it helped him to forget his problems. However, he also sings about how the addiction eventually led to him losing his job, his home, and his family.

The chorus of the song is a simple but powerful statement about the addictive nature of cocaine. Cash sings, “Cocaine blues, cocaine blues, they’ll drive you crazy, they’ll drive you insane.” These lyrics highlight the destructive power of cocaine addiction and how it can ruin a person’s life.

Cocaine Blues is a cautionary tale about the dangers of cocaine addiction. It is a powerful and moving song that has been praised by critics and fans alike. Cash’s performance is raw and emotional, and his lyrics are honest and unflinching. The song is a reminder of the devastating consequences that drug addiction can have on individuals, families, and communities.

Cocaine Blues has been covered by many artists, including Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Willie Nelson. It has also been featured in several films and television shows, including The Sopranos and Breaking Bad. The song remains a powerful and relevant message about the dangers of drug addiction.

Here are some additional details about the song and its impact:

• Cocaine Blues was written by Johnny Cash while he was serving time in San Quentin State Prison.
• The song was inspired by Cash’s own experiences with drug addiction.
• Cocaine Blues was one of the first country songs to deal with the subject of drug addiction.
• The song was a critical and commercial success, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart.
• Cocaine Blues has been covered by many artists, including Waylon Jennings, Kris Kristofferson, and Willie Nelson.
• The song has also been featured in several films and television shows, including The Sopranos and Breaking Bad.

Cocaine Blues is a powerful and moving song that has had a lasting impact on popular culture. It is a reminder of the dangers of drug addiction and the importance of seeking help if you or someone you know is struggling with addiction.

Video

Lyrics

“Cocaine Blues”

 

Early one mornin’ while makin’ the rounds
I took a shot of cocaine and I shot my woman down
I went right home and I went to bed
I stuck that lovin’ .44 beneath my head

Got up next mornin’ and I grabbed that gun
Took a shot of cocaine and away I run
Made a good run but I run too slow
They overtook me down in Juarez, Mexico

Laid in the hot joints takin’ the pill
In walked the sheriff from Jericho Hill
He said Willy Lee your name is not Jack Brown
You’re the dirty hack that shot your woman down

I said yes, sir my name is Willy Lee
If you’ve got a warrant just a-read it to me
Shot her down because she made me sore
I thought I was her daddy but she had five more

When I was arrested I was dressed in black
They put me on a train and they took me back
I had no friend for to go my bail
They slapped my dried-up carcass in that county jail

Got up next morning about a half past nine
I spied the sheriff coming down the line
Up then he coughed as he cleared his throat
He said, “Come on you dirty hack into that district court.”

Into the courtroom my trial began
Where I was handled by twelve honest men
Just before the jury started out
I saw that little judge commence to look about

In about five minutes in walked a man
Holding the verdict in his right hand
The verdict read in the first degree
I hollered, “Lordy, Lordy, have mercy on me!”

The judge he smiled as he picked up his pen
99 years in the Folsom pen
99 years underneath that ground
I can’t forget the day I shot my woman down

Come on you hops and listen unto me
Lay off that whiskey and let that cocaine be